Adventures of a Lucky Duck

2012 Photography Project

2012-02-04T19:58:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed the 2011 Color Photography Project I participated in! I enjoyed it so much that I decided to give the 2012 Photography Project a shot!

January - You/self-portraits/home

This is me, on the left, with my wife. It's actually taken at the place we met!

This was taken in about 1997.

This is me, on the right, and my latest self-portrait with my daughter. Just being silly.

Taken in January 2012.

This is our home away from home! Our trailer at our 2nd home where Jill and I spent several summers growing up and then working at as adults.

Our home. One of my favorite activities is playing guitar for Jack and Iz at night.

{this moment}

2012-01-06T12:46:00.000-08:00

{this moment} A Friday ritual inspired by Soule Mama

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

December - Color Wheel

2012-01-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

First, I want to thank the girls at An Offering of Love for inspiring me to try this photo project. I enjoyed doing it! Can't wait to see if you have a plan for 2012.

For December the challenge was to use the color wheel to inspire, I chose to simply pick a picture from every month. Each photo shows different colors and is taken in the month. It's amazing to see how much the twins have grown in just 1 year!

Inspired by: An Offering of Love's 2011 Photography Project

November - White

2011-11-29T16:54:00.000-08:00

When November started I had no idea what to do for the color white. October had been easy with pumpkins being orange so I was stumped. We decided to take a short trip to Las Vegas, Nevada for a few days and found snow at Mt. Charleston, a beautiful place I didn't know existed 40 minutes from Vegas. The snow turned out to be the best way to showcase white! Here are the pics!

Jack man loved the amount of snow! Not too much!

Izzy loved the snow and rocks we found while hiking!

Family photo! I love this one!

I love my family!

Inspired by: An Offering of Love's 2011 Photography Project

October - Orange

2011-10-29T15:33:00.000-07:00

Inspired by: An Offering of Love's 2011 Photography Project

September - Purple

2011-10-02T21:39:00.000-07:00

September - Purple

There were so many times I didn't capture a purple picture this month! I learned this month that Jack has ZERO purple clothes, shoes, shorts, etc. Bummer! Oh well, here's what I have:

1st Day of School - Backpacks are READY!

1st Day of School - The "classic" front door picture! So sweet!

L'Shanah Tovah!

Inspired by: An Offering of Love's 2011 Photography Project

Nothing new Bento

2011-09-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

I'd post a picture of our last few bento lunches, but they are basically the same! I have picky eaters. Every lunch has yogurt, fruit a piece of meat and maybe some cheese. Not Kosher -like (and it should be, technically), but I think it covers all the main parts of a meal. Oh yeah, and a piece of bread or pita chip too.

Here is today's lunch

It's not very interesting anymore. I'll post again if the lunch changes again. . . otherwise consider this picture the picture for every Monday, Wednesday, Friday!!

More Bento!

2011-09-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

Wednesday and Friday lunches are here. . . It isn't easy to make lunch for two picky toddlers. The Bento concept is pretty cool and keeps it fun for me. We'll see for how long! One benefit is that Stacey and I get lunches made too!

Wednesday:
Cup of strawberries and grapes
Quesadilla pieces
Half a salty pretzel
Half a cheese stick

All that came back were a couple of bites of quesadilla and 1/2 a pretzel.

Today's (Friday) Lunch:

Turkey rolls
Rasberries, blackberries and grapes
Cheese-its
Pita Chips
Yogurt for Izzy (Extra Turkey for Jack Jack)

Bento!

2011-09-06T07:45:00.000-07:00

I am trying my hand at Bento Box Lunches for the kids' preschool lunch. Less waste and creative packaging! Here is my first attempt:

Hawaiian Bread
Melon and Strawberries
Grapes
Shredded Cheese
Cheese-Its
1/2 Pretzel stick

Packaged in a Gladware container, and cupcake liners (silicone and paper)

It was hard to get everything in, and I would have liked to have added more protein, but we just got back from vacation so my choices were limited.

If they like it, I plan to build my Bento-style lunch boxes with more interesting pieces!

I hope they like it!

August - Green

2011-09-01T22:13:00.001-07:00

August- Green

Inspired by: An Offering of Love's 2011 Photography Project

August 25, 2011 - 2 years old!

2011-08-24T20:03:00.000-07:00

Mama posting-

I can't believe that I'm writing a post about Jack and Izzy being 2 years old! What an incredible adventure it has been getting to here! I learn so much from both of them every day and I enjoy every single moment that I have with them. It sounds so cliche and possibly impossible, but it's the darn truth. Even in the hardest moments (ie, tantrums, whining, crying, food throwing, toy not sharing....etc.) I find myself loving the moment. It's an interesting change to your marriage when you have kids, I find that my relationship is stronger and better than ever. We communicate more and we share in the joy and love that is our children! I love being a family. Enough gushy stuff?!? I figure I should probably TRY to record some of the major milestones that each child is achieving. I know I'll miss some.

Isabel - weighing about 25lbs (we'll know for sure next Monday) and height about 33inches

Izzy is a super sweet girl! Her emotions are strong and so awesome! She shows the greatest smiles when she's happy and throws the strongest tantrum when she wants her way. She is SUPER independent. She wants to try everything herself! She is talking a lot and imitating lots of single word phrases and two word phrases. She loves doggies, Mickey Mouse, Ariel (as in "The Little Mermaid", trains, baby dolls, reading, giving kisses, giving hugs, snuggling, exploring new places, and music. She dances to my cell phone ring tone. I find it so amusing that I miss many calls! Izzy can jump sometimes and is working on somersaults (forward rolls). She runs if she wants to. She likes playing with bouncy balls and going on the swings. She can be shy to warm up sometimes and other times she loves waving, saying "hi" to people she doesn't know.

Jack - weighing about 25 lbs. (again, we'll know on Monday) and height about 32.5 inches

Jack is a very happy boy. He loves talking. He hangs in his crib when he wakes up and we can hear him chattering. He LOVES trains! He also loves fire trucks and cars. He likes playing tea party, playing with baby dolls and reading. He loves Mickey Mouse, trains, cars, fire trucks, airplanes and his cousin Ryan. He also likes music and sways when he hears a song he likes. He can fill in the blanks on "Little Red Caboose" song from camp. It's super cute! He is a runner! He likes running, side stepping, and can do a forward roll. He also can walk backwards! He loves playing basketball and throwing other bouncy balls. He likes going up and down slides. Jack is shy when he first meets people. He's very easy going and chill. He has a ton of single words and two word phrases.

That's all I can think of! We had their 2nd birthday party on Saturday and it was a hit! The kids understood opening presents and the cake eating was much funnier than their 1st birthday!

Jill (Mommy) is still BF and I think they're healthier because of it! Way to go Jill!

I'll leave with some current photos!

Waiting for their friends to arrive for their birthday party!

Sweet Sibling Love!

BIKE!

Park fun with Mama!

July - Red

2011-07-22T18:08:00.000-07:00

Inspired by: An Offering of Love's 2011 Photography Project

June - Black

2011-06-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

June - Black

Inspired by: An Offering of Love's 2011 Photography Project

May - Yellow (late)

2011-06-05T08:56:00.000-07:00

Disneyland - Mother's Day 2011

Long Beach Pride - May 2011

Disney Cruise (older, but wanted to have equal # of J and I)

Driving - May 2011

Sorry I'm late! I'm going to blame moving again!

Inspired by: An Offering of Love's 2011 Photography Project

What has most surprised you about parenthood? Day 4

2011-06-04T15:47:00.000-07:00

The thing that surprised me most about parenthood is the complete adoration/love I have for my babies. I can't even explain it. I want to spend nearly every moment with them.

High School Lucky Duck, guilty pleasures

2011-06-04T00:36:00.000-07:00

Describe your high school self. What extracurricular activities, if any, did you participate in during high school?

I was very silly in High school. If I was out late past sundown, I would often be found laughing hysterically at nothing. I was an expert in everything, people came to me with advice for everything. . . even though I was quite inexperienced!! I was a Girl Scout and sold cookies to all my friends and teachers. I know my friends thought it was strange that I was a Scout, but I know they were jealous of all the cool things I did! My best friend at the time wouldn't tell anyone she was GS at first, but when she saw that nobody cared she confessed.

I was a softball player (varsity for 4 years) and tennis (JV for 2, Varsity for 2). I was also a cheerleader (hides head in shame) for almost 2 years.

I was NEVER picked on, but I was also never remembered. That never really bothered me, it kept me out of trouble. I never went to a party that had drugs or alcohol, even though many of my friends did. I think they figured I would say no, so they didn't bother to ask. While they were correct, I sometimes wished they would have asked!

My favorite time in high school was when I joined the Stage Crew for our musicals and dance recitals. I learned to work the lights and got pretty good at it! The boys that I became friends with where a lot of fun. It was different than anything I had ever done before and the people I met were very different than anyone I had ever known.

My first boyfriend was a Freshman, I was a Sophomore. We were very cute and very innocent. My second boyfriend was the COMPLETE opposite. I dated both for over 2 years.

I was involved in lots of different activities. I loved not being at home, even though I liked my family. It felt 'grown up' to be out all afternoon, running on no sleep and getting stressed out over projects and events. My parents were very supportive and chauffeured me all over town.

I was one of 3 white seniors in my class (of 500 seniors), and one of 9 in the whole school (of 2000 students). Because of that I was 'popular' in that every one knew who the white girl was! I think I had a lot of privileges though, because of it, and that pissed me off on many occasions. I pretty much did what ever I wanted and never served a single detention (although I was granted 2 or 3 of them.)

I've only been back to visit once.

What are your guilty pleasures?

Coke (soda), TV shows from my youth, and chocolate ice cream late at night.

June Non-Challenge

2011-06-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

I am going to try this June Non-Challenge Blog thing. I will do three tomorrow and be caught up! Here are the rules
-Jill

1. Provide a picture of the space where you normally blog.
2. Describe your high school self. What extracurricular activities, if any, did you participate in during high school?
3. What are your guilty pleasures?
4. (for parents) What has most surprised you about parenthood?
(for parents-to-be) What has most surprised you about ttc?
5. What do you prefer to do on your birthday? If you have children, what do you prefer to do for their birthday?
6. When was the last time you tried something new? What was it and what was the result?
7. What’s your favorite thing to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner? If you have children, what are their favorites?
8. If you had to teach something, what would you teach? (If you DO teach, when did you discover your love for it?)
9. What is the most important lesson you learned from your own mother (or other primary caretaker)?
10. Share your favorite recipe (or two).
11. In what ways does being a lesbian/2-mom family impact your experience of parenting?
12. Tell us about the first time you got drunk (as far as you can remember…)
13. Tell us about the best job you ever had, and the worst.
14. How do you typically dress? How do you (or would you) like to dress your kid(s)?
15. What was your college experience like? Were you involved in any clubs, groups, etc?
16. How many friends do you have in real life that you talk to regularly? How many friends do you have that you feel are ‘true blue’ and how long have you known them?
17. (for parents) What is your favorite thing about parenthood? Your least favorite?
(for parents-to-be) What are you most looking forward to about parenthood?
18. How do you feel about astrology? What’s your sign, baby, and do you think it matches your personality?
19. How do you (and your partner if applicable) feel about PDA?
20. What is the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you? Did you repay the kindness?
21. What child(ren)’s names do you like that your partner hates and thus you could never use?
22. What is your most beloved childhood memory? What memories are you trying to create (or will you try to create) for your child(ren)?
23. What are your favorite activities to do with your kid(s)?
24. What are your favorite activities to do without your kid(s)? (keep it clean!)
25. What did you want to be when you grew up? Why and/or how did that change over time?
26. What is/are the best piece(s) of parenting advice you’ve gotten or can give others?
27. Which movies or tv shows do you think are the most accurate portrayals of parenthood?
28. What size family do you come from, what size family do you want, and why?
29. What do you think about giving kids an allowance, and what chores do you or would you expect your child(ren) to help out with?
30. What is/are the most memorable questions or reactions you’ve gotten in regards to being a two-mom family?

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T21:12:00.000-07:00

Posted by Mama-

On Mother's Day I'm grateful to be a mom!

We had a great day spent with family and as a family!

A short post just to show off a picture that makes my heart melt!

April - Pink

2011-05-03T21:28:00.000-07:00

April is a little late.....
You see, we moved this month....
AND, I was determined to find a picture of Jack with pink....
Alas, many adorable (in my humble opinion) pictures of Izzy with pink.... and 1 solitary picture of Jack with a pink pacie.... VICTORY!
I decided to add old pictures this month of the kids just for fun....
Enjoy! Sorry we're late!

April 2011 - Twin sharing

April 2011- Strawberry picking

April 2011- Striking a pose

April 2010 - Pink Paci Boy!

April 2010 - Angels Rally Monkey

2010- a cute b/g twin outfit

My tiny babies in 2009!

Inspired by: An Offering of Love's 2011 Photography Project

What's Best for Us!

2011-04-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

So, we're moving. I said it. It's real. It's happening. It's less than 2 weeks away. (Insert panicked expression) It'll be hard to leave our first home that Jill and I bought together, the babies first home. The babies room/nursery is the only room that I think breaks our hearts to leave. Every single family member helped create the nursery and it's so sad to know we can't take it with us.

Our new home is a rental house and that is what our goal was. To find a house to live in. Yes, we'd love to buy a house, but that's not our reality. A rental will have to do. This rental has so many positives for us, a backyard, front yard, larger kitchen, lots of parking, fireplace, and laundry in the house.

I'm excited to start this new chapter for our family, but I know moving from this special home we live in right now will be sad. I'll try to post pictures of the babies nursery currently. Our goal is to re-create a lot of it in the new home.

March - Brown

2011-03-31T20:43:00.001-07:00

Inspired by: An Offering of Love's 2011 Photography Project

Some days are just perfect...

2011-03-29T21:08:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had the awesome opportunity to visit the local aquarium for free as teachers. We had been to this aquarium before but we were excited to visit with the kids. The nice part about the aquarium is that it's small enough that the kids can walk the whole thing and strollers aren't really necessary. No strollers meant easier access to the tanks and exhibits.

One of the highlights for Jack was definitely the moon jellies and the touch tanks. I think he liked the fluorescent lighting on the jellies and splashing the water was fun in the touch tanks. He had NO desire to touch any of the animals, but Izzy loved touching the things she could. Jack was super funny with the fish, he shouted "fishy" at every tank and waved Hello and Goodbye to every tank. Super cute boy!

After the aquarium we decided to take a walk for lunch and to the light house which coincidentally is where Jill's favorite date was AND where I formally gave her the ring. That area is definitely special to us so it was fun to share that special place with our kids.

It was the absolute perfect way to spend the day with our family of four. I feel so fortunate.

{this moment}

2011-03-25T20:47:00.000-07:00

{this moment} – A Friday ritual inspired by SouleMama.
A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week.
A simple, special, extraordinary moment.
A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
If you’re inspired to do the same, leave a link to your ‘moment’
in the comments for all to find and see

{this moment}

2011-03-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

{this moment} – A Friday ritual inspired by SouleMama.
A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week.
A simple, special, extraordinary moment.
A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
If you’re inspired to do the same, leave a link to your ‘moment’
in the comments for all to find and see.

Super Iz

2011-03-16T07:20:00.000-07:00

{this moment}

2011-03-04T21:49:00.000-08:00

February - Grey

2011-02-26T19:33:00.000-08:00

Inspired by: An Offering of Love's 2011 Photography Project

18 months

2011-02-25T19:17:00.001-08:00

A letter to my babies:

Dear Jack and Isabel,

Today you are 18 months old. My life has changed so much since you were born. I can't remember life before the both of you. Every moment I watch you both I learn and remember that it's the little things that count. Here are some basic info about each of you:

Isabel, you weigh 22 lbs and are 30 in. long, you are in the 25th percentile for height and weight. You can use ASL sign for: more, eat, water, all done, please, strawberry, fish, and milk. You can verbally say "Jack," "dog", "Mama", "Nana" (usually for banana), "Mommy", "car", and "no", and other words she seems to imitate. Isabel you also learned to shrug your shoulders and it's super cute. You've started flashing your beautiful smile and dimple at people you know (and don't know sometimes). You are very smart, you watch something being done once and often imitate that same thing a few minutes later. You LOVE all straps on bags and shoes. You often will put a strap around your arm even if it's a huge grocery bag. You do the same with shoes, carry them around and put them on your feet even if they're huge shoes! You've started screeching when some one you know enters a room or you see something you like. You LOVE Mickey Mouse, Goofy and just recently learned about Disney Princesses and love them (We're still not sure how you learned to like them)! You LOVE music and dancing. Most songs can get you shaking your hips and conducting your arms like an expert musician.

Jack, you weigh 21 lbs and are also 30 in. long. You can use ASL sign for: strawberry, cracker, fish (goldfish), water, pacifier, eat, all done, please, more and milk. You can verbally say "sister", "dog", "Nana" (usually for banana), "Mama", "car", "no", "vroom" and other sounds he imitates too. Most of the time you walk around the house with a huge smile across your face and love to shout while walking around. You also like imitating behaviors seen including when your sister has a temper tantrum, you have also gotten on the ground and laid down with a huge smile on your face while she screams. You also like screaming, especially to wake up your sister if she's still asleep in her crib and you're awake. You LOVE Mickey Mouse and Goofy. You love going on cruises if only for the "all you can eat" strawberries! You LOVE LOVE LOVE strawberries and chocolate, esp. ice cream.

These past 18 months have flown by so fast it's hard to remember everything that happened! We returned on Sunday from a 7 day Disney cruise aboard the Disney Wonder to the Mexican Riviera. The trip was a HUGE birthday present for Mama and a family reunion! An awesome time was had by all! Here are a couple pictures from the trip:

We tried on the life jacket to make sure they fit! It did!

Made for cruisin' with Mama on Day 2, Mama's Bday!

Surveying the beach in Cabo San Lucas

I love Snow White

Pirate Night
Family Picture with the favorite character

Hopefully the next post will be sooner than your 2 year old birthday! Until next time!

---Mama

January - Blue

2011-01-30T20:40:00.000-08:00

January- BLUE

Inspired by An Offering of Love's 2011 Photography Project

{this moment}

2011-01-28T14:26:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

2010-12-26T16:22:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

Two babies were very good this year!

There were, however, two little tantrums by one little girl!

Reflecting

2010-12-23T23:42:00.000-08:00

Sitting in the rocker, in the wee hours of the night, two babies snuggled in my arms. Their legs tangled together on my lap, little hands resting on my breasts, small mouths drinking in the milk that was made just for them, by MY body. I think to myself, "At this moment, they are all mine."

I am blessed. Despite the exhaustion, the stress, the list of things left undone.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T11:18:00.000-08:00

Things I am thankful for:

shelter

food

love

family

babies

friends

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-17T20:04:00.000-08:00

Adventure People

2010-10-20T22:30:00.000-07:00

I had a pretty cool childhood growing up. Most of it was spent in a tree house in the backyard. My older sister and I had two good friends who lived down the street, about 6 houses. We were always at each other's house afterschool, on weekends and all day during the summer. At our house we played Legos, wiffle ball, and pretend games on our bikes and in the tree house.

At their house we played with these awesome toys called Adventure People.


Safari Set

complete set

wilderness patrol

wild animal safari

This is just one of many sets Fisher Price made. They were FREAKING AWESOME! One set had a pop-up trailer tent, one set had a boat and water skis, one set had a SEA PLANE! It was so much fun. Our friends had these really cool blocks, really more like 2 X 4s that were really smooth and all different lengths. Anyway, we used those blocks to make houses, stores, schools, all kinds of things. It is one of many fond memories of my childhood.

So, if you are buying me gifts for any reason, please go to Ebay and buy me Fisher Price Adventure People. I will play with them until my children are old enough! I want them

{this moment}

2010-10-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

{this moment} – A Friday ritual inspired by SouleMama.
A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week.
A simple, special, extraordinary moment.
A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

(ok, this isn't exactly from this week, but I don't have the recent pics on this computer!)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

Ahh. . . Sleep

2010-09-12T21:13:00.000-07:00

This is an update to the sleeping issue. Jack has made so much progress, that even when he has a setback I still feel accomplished!

I read a lot about sleep training. I started with No Cry Sleep Solution, but I didn't understand what I was supposed to do! I read Sleeping Through the Night when the babies were just born, so I really have no idea what it said! I followed a website on BabyCenter called Teaching Your Baby & Toddler How to Sleep and actually followed that advice and got Isabel to sleep!

But none of those felt right for Jack. He would scream and cry and it just didn't feel right. If we let Izzy cry, it was like for 2 minutes of mostly fussing. I think she cried that first night for less than 5 minutes. It was so easy.

I read this Changing the Sleep Pattern of the Family Bed and felt that it fit very nicely. From 4 months on, we were pretty much co-sleeping with Jack full time. Naps happened in the car or in the swing. I like the analogies he used and the gentle progression to night weaning.

Once our crazy vacationing was over, I decided to begin sleep training. So on the night of Jack's 1st year birthday party, we began!

We moved him into a pack n play in the guest room. We didn't want to ruin Isabel's sleep habits. I didn't swaddle him, I didn't nurse him, I just rocked him. When he was drowsy, I put him down and walked out. He screamed. So I rocked him again until drowsy and put him down, and sat next to him and rubbed his tummy. He cried, but didn't get hysterical. It took about an hour, but he was asleep! For 30 minutes! I repeated it again and he slept for 4 hours!

I did that for a couple of days, and then I stopped rubbing his tummy. I sat next to him and he fussed and cried, but quickly fell asleep. After a few successful days, I moved him to his crib and Isabel to the PNP and continued sitting by him.

Once that was going well, I brought Izzy back in and I just went with it. We read stories, did hugs and kisses, music on and I put him in his bed. We walked out. No crying. No fussing. Sleeping!

Naps are a little more challenging because the babies like to play and laugh. But no crying (usually) and they both sleep for at least an hour (usually).

I am very happy now! Now we are working on a more reliable schedule and night weaning. I will say I am not too anxious to end night weaning. I usually enjoy the snuggles with a baby that is growing up too fast. But when one of them wakes up twice, I do wish the night weaning was going a little faster!

I used lots of !!! in this post, but I really feel so proud of Jack and myself. I thought it was going to involve lots of crying and time and sleepless nights. But he showed me that he was ready to sleep on his own and I showed him I was ready to let him!

I guess the next big thing is potty training!

Adventures of the Lucky Ducks- Summer 2010 Edition

2010-08-09T22:09:00.000-07:00

We started off the summer with a big bang. A few days after the school year ended we headed out to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for 7 days. We had an amazing time. The babies did great on the airplane and just rolled with the new experience. They LOVED the warm water of the pool, but the ocean was just a little to rough for them. We were all sad to leave!

Here's a picture of the kids on the plane!

Here's Izzy in the pool! She LOVED just laying on the shallow platforms!

We spent most of our time in the pool! Here's a family picture!

Once home, we spent a few days recovering from that vacation and preparing for the next big adventure- 3 weeks in our travel trailer. We headed off for Yosemite National Forest with my sister, her husband and 3 kids, my parents for 7 days of dry camping. We arrived at our campgrounds early and we able to secure 3 spots next to each other. The grand kids loved having Nana and Poppa so close. It was really nice being so close to my family! Yosemite was so beautiful. We went on some great hikes and saw some amazing sights. The nights were very cold for the Luckyducks, as our trailer is a hybrid with tents for beds. We ended up closing up the trailer and sleeping on the floor.

Here's a picture of the trailer with the tents out!

Here's Mama with the kids at Yosemite Falls

Here's all the cousins at Lower Yosemite Falls! Izzy LOVED being in the ice cold water!

We said goodbye to my family and continued our trip up north. We visited Stacey’s Aunt Nora, Uncle Steve and Cousin Jesse in Chico. The weather was great and the babies loved meeting more of their family. We all enjoyed being together again.

A few days later we headed south towards the Bay Area. We stopped in Bolinas, a quaint town just north of SF. I spent many summers with my Uncle Ken and Aunt Sarah exploring nature and being generally outdoorsy! Ellie the dog absolutely loved being out in nature. She sniffed everything in sight, went on hikes and even took a little dip in the creek! Isabel and Jack got a chance to ride a horse, play in the sand and play with the Golden Retrievers that live there. Isabel fell in love with Bella the dog and I am pretty sure she tried to pack her in the trailer!

While in Bolinas, we got a chance to visit with some friends and family. We saw the beautiful Muir Woods and the redwood trees, gorgeous beaches and lagoons.

Here's a family picture on a walk down to "town".

Izzy and Uncle Ken having a chat about the sand

The kids found a bear their own size in Muir Woods

The trip continued with a stop in Monterey. We had a great time at the aquarium and the walk down Cannery row.

The aquarium has a cool Baby Splash zone where babies under 24 inches can play. We gave the kids a stroller break and let them stretch their legs. As you can see in the picture, the area had tanks at baby eye view! Pretty Cool!

Our last stop in this trip was in Solvang. Nana took a train to meet us and we spent a few days exploring the town. The weather was beautiful and our campsite was very comfortable. We played in the playground and went swimming. We even visited the old Mission in town.

This picture caused a lot of stares on the streets of Solvang. Jack LOVED sitting in the shoe!

The RV park had swings that Izzy enjoyed!

Once back home, we had one more trip left . . . .to Las Vegas with Grandma and Grandpa and their Henderson home. We got to visit with cousins, swim at the Green Valley Ranch Hotel and eat yummy buffet!

Now that we are home we are getting ready for the babies FIRST BIRTHDAY the upcoming school year. Whew, what a summer!

Cry It Out

2010-06-16T10:22:00.001-07:00

We have created a monster.
His name is Jack, alias Jack Jack, Mr. Man, Jack Jack Attack.
His favorite song is by the Beastie Boys "No Sleep 'till Brooklyn.
His motto is "I'll sleep when I am old."

Oh wait, he will sleep. In my bed, while nursing.

I have a feeling if we tried the cry it out method, and left him in his crib, he would cry for HOURS. He is persistent and stubborn. He knows what he wants.

I never thought I would co-sleep or have a problem with cry it out. But I do. I just don't think it is right to let a baby scream un-comforted for hours on end. I don't believe he is manipulating me, he just wants to be with me. However, I am tired of co-sleeping now, it served its purpose and my back is ready to sleep well again. I just don't know how to get him out of my bed. I don't care if he sleeps in our room. We have a port-a-crib set up for him. He sleeps about 4 hours in it.

I have tried the No Cry Sleep Solution, and the problem with that is that he KNOWS we are trying to put him to sleep. He fusses and screams until we bring him to bed. It is very frustrating. I am willing to let him cry for up to ten minutes, but like I said he is persistent. We tried letting him cry for up to 10 minutes, checking, and continuing that until he falls asleep. It just never really worked for him. Then when it sort of did, we all got sick. He nurses quite frequently in the night, so at some point, it was just easier to bring him to bed. Night weaning is not an option until he is at least a 1 year and 5 weeks old.

We just don't know what to do. We are hoping we can solve the problem while we are home for the summer and don't have to work. We can handle late nights a bit better.

Does anyone have the magic wand that puts babies to sleep without tears?

Oh and by the way, Isabel sleeps like a baby! Goes down happy and awake, puts herself to sleep and wakes up once to nurse. We used the No Cry Sleep Solution for her, too. So it isn't all parenting!

Our 1st Mother's Day--- Stacey posting (Mama)

2010-05-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

Today marks 8 months and 2 weeks that we've been Mommy and Mama. What a wonderful journey! Every day we learn something new about being Mommy and Mama and every day we fall in love with them again and again.

For me, the babies serve as a constant reminder of how lucky I am to have Jill as my partner in life. She is the most wonderful mommy to the kids and the most wonderful wife to me. We share a love that no words can describe. (enough mushy stuff)

On to milestones:

Isabel- has 2 teeth, sits independently for long periods of time, loves talking, loves smiling, does the cutest head nestling maneuver onto peoples' chests, is an independent eater, prefers to feed herself, will scoot backwards sometimes when placed on her knees and hands, claps, steals her brother's pacifier, raises her arms to be picked up, loves the sign "all done," loves dogs, loves people, loves being held and is a happy girl!

Jack- is very verbal especially in the mornings, he sits independently for as long as he wants, he prefers to lie on his back and eat his hands feet toes...., is quick to smile, loves music, loves the sign "all done," loves to steal his sister pacifier EVEN if he has his own, loves to steal his sisters toys EVEN if he has his own, rolls over from back to front to front to back and moves that way, has awesome red hair, doesn't want to miss a single moment so is awake a lot during the day, raises his arms super high to be picked up, loves being held and is a happy boy!

There are only 27 school days left until we are home for the summer with the kids! So excited to get to spend almost 3 months with them traveling, camping and just being a family!

I guess that's all for now. Hope everyone that reads this enjoys Mother's Day doing what they enjoy doing most! Here's a few pictures:

8 months

Jack Man at the Outlets in Camarillo

Izzy Girl @ Aunt Connie's

8 month Target Photo- Jack

8 month Target Photo- Isabel

Opening Day @ Angel Stadium - The kids 1st game (of many!)

Warning: Overload of Cuteness Abounds! 7 months old!

2010-04-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

7 months! Wow!

2010-03-25T20:38:00.000-07:00

Stacey posting-

Today we went to the ob./g.yn for Jill and it just happens that I have to drop her off and park with the babies in the hospital parking lot. It was so surreal walking with the babies past the lobby that we first entered 7months and 1 day ago to deliver. In a way it doesn't feel possible that 7 months have past and yet... it seems I can't remember life without the babies.

So at 7 months we've hit some milestones....

Isabel- is very chatty and smiley and can sit independently! she's been grabbing her toes for a while now and they are nice companion in her crib. she can put herself to sleep in her crib after playing and has slept 7 hours (I think) without waking. She steals Jack's pacifier even when she has her own and plays a mean game of tugawar with her brother. She may be allergic to bananas, which we discovered since introducing solids, so we won't be having any bananas around here for a bit. She likes fruits the best and vegetables are tolerable for her. We keep trying new foods and we're trying to get her to learn how to self feed cheerios and puffs. Hopefully she'll do that soon so we can eat all at the same time!

Jack- is also very chatty and smiley. He has found his toes and loves to grab them. He is super expressive with his face! We love to watch him try new foods and CHEW the puffs! It's hysterical to watch. He can hold his own in a tugawar with sister and loves to chew on Isabel's hand. He's been known to steal a pacifier or two from Isabel. He really has started noticing Isabel and just today grabbing at her face and smiling. He seems to be a bit more particular about foods and will playfully rasberry the foods out he doesn't like. Right now it's funny... I can imagine it getting old. Speaking of rasberries, he's quite good at them and even does them mid-crying fit. It's pretty funny to listen to.

We both continue to work as teachers and the next two weeks are our respective Spring Breaks. I'm looking forward to the time off and I know Jill is also. Once Spring Break is over it's all down hill for the school year and time will hopefully fly by!

6 Months!!

2010-03-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

Actually, 6 months 1 week :)

The babies have been growing and hitting so many milestones. It is amazing, exciting and bittersweet all at the same time.

I think teething has begun. We have boatloads of drool, anything that can- is put in the mouth, and some cranky behavior.

Isabel has found her toes! They are a great playmate, and I think even her two best friends. It is too bad they have to get covered at night!

Jack is beginning to enjoy his solid foods. He does NOT like orange colored veggies, but doesn't seem to mind the green ones.

Both are laughing and smiling all the time. They find lots of things funny.

Isabel has become quite the good sleeper. She takes naps and at night she sleeps about 6 hours! Whoo HOO!

Jack does not. He sleeps about 2-3 at a time and ends up in bed with me around midnight. What can I say, he is a b00b man.

Work is going okay. I miss the babies like crazy and I hate leaving them in the morning. I wish I could stay home with them. If I had known I would feel like this, I would have saved money when I was just out of college! Crazy youth!

We are counting down the days to summer vacation. We have some exciting events planned, including a FIRST BIRTHDAY!! My school district is talking about closing the school 5 days early, which sounds freaking fantastic. However, the paycut in all one check is a little daunting.

My birthdays is fast approaching and I keep forgetting how old I will be. My mom asked what I wanted and you know what? I have these two beautiful babies and a loving wife. What else do I need?

It's been awhile

2010-02-06T19:48:00.001-08:00

I have been back at work for 4 weeks now. It hasn't been too bad. I cried and cried the night before, and maybe even on the drive in, but once there I was too busy to be sad! It is quite an adjustment, however.

PB and J go to my sister's house during the day. They come home completely exhausted because their cousins cannot get enough of them! They keep my sister busy with crying, eating and pooping and we are all looking forward.

We had a naming ceremony at our Jewish temple. They did very well, although I did have to take Jack outside to nurse for awhile. They were very chatty while we were up with the Rabbi. They were happy to get their Hebrew names!

We are getting very close to their 6 month birthday!! I can't believe how quickly the time has gone. I am still breastfeeding, but they get formula in their bottles because I do not pump enough. The little porkers SCREAM like crazy if they don't get enough milk in their bottles! I have no idea how much they get from nursing, but it must be a lot!!

Pumping at work is a weird little experiment. It doesn't seem 'right' to take my shirt off in my classroom! So far nobody has walked in on me! Thank goodness!!!

Time is just flying by. There aren't enough minutes in the day to love and snuggle these little joys. I vaguely remember what my life used to be like, and I never had any idea how much I could love 2 little people!

What did we do "pre twins"?

2010-01-07T08:43:00.001-08:00

This is Stacey posting.... it's been a while!

As one might expect, our new life is crazy! I often find myself wondering how we used to spend our time before the babies entered our world. I can't imagine life that way! We waited a long time for them and now it's as if our world is complete! Sure, we may end up with more kids but that's not the topic of this post.

Tomorrow marks the end of being "stay at home mom" for Jill. We hope this is temporary because she really wants to be able to spend all of her time with them and not work, well, not work until they start Kindergarten. We'll see if that can happen.

So, what has life been like? I'll start with Thanksgiving....

Thanksgiving we decided to take about 10 days and go out to Nevada to spend the week off there since I was off the whole week and Jill was on maternity leave we took advantage. Thanksgiving marked 3 months old for Jack and Isabel. It was so wonderful! We took pictures of them in their "going home for the hospital outfits!" These outfits were HUGE on the day they came home and on 11/25, they were too small! Here's some pictures:

The day they BOTH were home:

And here's 3 months, 11/25/09:

Then there was Hanukkah and Christmas:

We went to Jill's parents' neighborhood party where Jack and Izzy met Santa and Mrs. Claus for the first time! Jack cried!

Then we had our Annual Holiday Party:

Then we did our First Family Christmas! We decided that on Christmas Day we will always stay home and let family and friends come by as they wish. Since my family is Jewish, they are not usually busy and they enjoyed coming by. Jill's folks joined us too!

We were on our own in the early morning and took lots of pictures of our QUIET morning. I know that this year will be memorable and perhaps the LAST QUIET Christmas morning. Here's a couple pictures:

Christmas Morning:

Christmas Jamies:

And we ended our 3 weeks off with a trip to Las Vegas! Where the kids got shades and we got to spend some family time together.

Now we have to start a new reality. Working (both of us) and taking care of babies when we're not at work. I'm so bummed that we'll miss out on time with them! I will drop them off in the mornings and Jill will pick them up. The bonuses I can think of are all the extra days off we have as teachers. So, we'll get through the first few months and it'll be hard... but in June... we'll be together all day again!

That's all for now!

Signing off- Stacey a.k.a. Mama

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2009-11-29T19:44:00.000-08:00

3 month pictures came out very cute. We have a ton of holiday presents now!!

Our monthly family picture
My late grandmother made these sweaters about 18 years ago and gave them to my uncle. He gave them to me when he came to visit. Aren't they so sweet!?
Still breastfeeding. Not looking forward to going back to work, but I still have about 6 weeks left so I won't worry about it yet. I need to get pumping!

Guess what's in my freezer?!

2009-11-16T10:01:00.001-08:00

If you said 12 ounces of breastmilk you would be correct!

I have been struggling with breastfeeding since the day these babies have been born. I never expected it to be so hard. First it was NICU, then it was latch, and always it was supply.

Well, we worked on latching and I pump all the time, we stopped using bottles at home and finally I had enough in my fridge that I needed to start freezing some of it. A weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

Now, I just have to get through going back to work. Wish I could be a stay at home mom, but being a teacher is pretty good job for hours. The babies should only get 2 or 3 bottles during the time I am gone.

Hurray!!

I Went Crazy

2009-11-14T15:52:00.001-08:00

So this past month has been very difficult. Some family stuff, but mostly I just went crazy. I was taking Reglan to help boost my milk supply. One of the side effects is depression and anxiety. Well it sure is! I started crying all the time and getting getting anxious about being home alone with the babies. I couldn't figure out how to get the babies off the nursing pillow anymore-- I mean really, I'd been doing it for month! So after I made Stacey come home from work early one day she said, "Hey, maybe your meds are making you crazy." I stopped taking it right then and there. So now I am able to leave the house again, I can be alone again and I am not depressed about breastfeeding anymore.

So if you take Reglan for breastfeeding, just be really aware of your feelings. It snuck up on me all of a sudden and I had a miserable week and a half.

Now for the good stuff

Adventures in Breastfeeding!

2009-10-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

Breastfeeding has not been what I thought it would be. Instead of snuggling in with my babies and providing ample nourishment, I am instead having intimate relations with my breast pump to help build up my supply.

So here is what I do:
I take an herb called fenegreek-- probably spelled wrong
I take Ra.eglan 3 times a day
I spray oxytocin (refrigerated) into my nose 10 minutes before nursing or pumping
I am trying to eat oatmeal. I think I have finally found the perfect consistency.
I pump every 1 1/2 to 3 hours.
I visit with a lactation consultant from the nicu once a week

I am trying to be exclusive, but they are SO hungry! I don't feel like this has been working. I never have extra anything in my fridge or freezer. I am not and/or barely keeping up. The babes get formula 1-2 a day. Not bad, but not good either! Or Jelly gets it all and PB gets formula. (Her stomach does NOT tolerate the formula very well).

It is quite the production to nurse to babies at the same time. I have to get my water, the remote controls and/or book and/or computer, and the very best twin nursing pillow! It is made so that you can nurse 2 babies without holding them. They lay in the "football" hold and the pillow keeps them turned in to my body and at the right height.

So any other suggestions? Has anyone out there struggled like me and turned a corner sometime after 2 months? Because I go back to work at 3 months, and if it isn't any better I might just have to give it up.

Here is me nursing! I couldn't get my head to fit, so it is just the good parts!

And I just have to add some pictures I found. I don't think I ever posted them and I think they are hilarious. This is my cheerleading uniform from HS. Normally, I still fit it.

The Mini Vacay- First Family Vacation

2009-10-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

The babies are growing, growing, growing! We took them on a surprise vacation to stay at Di.sn..ey's Gra..n.d C..ali.for..nia.n Hotel and visited D..is.ne..yla..nd for the first time. The kids will not remember this first trip, but we will! The park was all decked out in Hall..o.w.een gear and that was fun to see.

Dis..ne..yla.nd was an adventure for us. A true test of how well we can prepare for being out with them. We did very well! They had food all day, enough diapers, naps, and we only were short 1 item and that didn't happen until the end of the day! At the end of the day... we only had 1 diaper wipe. :) Not too shabby.

The babies were quite the hit at Disn..eylan..d as Izzy's legs hung from the Bj..or.n on my chest, she loves that b.jor..n! Everyone wanted to look at them and we were very careful with that. I think I have perfected the "look from afar" manuever. Although, some people are so curious! No one touched the babies, though, and I find that to be a success! We did have random people want to take pictures of them in their super duper cute Ha..llo..we..en cos.tu..me.

The hotel stay was good. It was so nice to be away from home. We did bring Ly..s.ol and spray the heck out of everything, used our own pac.n..pl.ay, used blankets like they were going out of style and washed washed washed our hands. There was only 1 incident of crazy spit up courtesy of Ms. Isabel, but it wasn't too terrible... we did sleep on towels that night though. :) oops!

We decided to make the trip an annual trip for the kids an
d took a picture by Ch.ip N D.ale that we intend to use as a size reference for the yearly trip.

I guess that's all for tonight... I must head to bed while the kids are sleeping... we should be too.

1 Month 3 Days

2009-09-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

We are planning to get professional pics of PB and J every month. Our first installment is a "Halloween" theme. PB is dressed as a ghost and Jelly is pumpkin. We had a great time at the photo shoot and the kids did great. I cannot believe a month (five weeks tomorrow) has/have gone by already! They have grown over a pound each and are turning out to be quite cute!

Power to the Preemies

2009-09-14T18:30:00.001-07:00

Jack is beginning his political career early! His platform is helping to create preemie clothes that actually fit.

And to not leave out Izzy, here is her mini protest. Although she is outgrowing preemie clothes, she does get annoyed about how terribly they "fit" her.

Tomorrow marks 3 weeks, and I can't believe they haven't been in my life forever! They are such good babies, we are really lucky. My recovery from the C/section has been a total breeze. My scar is in such a place it will never be seen again. . . well, at least until the next c/section! Amazingly enough, the scar is practically disappearing anyway. It is amazing how far medical/surgical procedures have come.

One more bummer about not being pregnant is not being able to see my doctor anymore! He definitely ranks as one of my favorite docs. (I guess I will still see him once a year for my girly exams.) If you live in the OC and want a doc recomendation, let me know.

35 weeks and one day

2009-09-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

I was having the best pregnancy ever. Even with terrible heartburn 12 hours a day, I barely complained. (Really, ask Stacey). I LOVED being pregnant.

So here is what happened, and why Jack and Izzy (aka Peanut Butter and Jelly) were evicted so early.

On Monday I had an NST appointment. They kept me for an hour because they were noticing that Jack's heart rate dipped a little bit on each contraction. (4 in an hour, mind you). The nurses spoke to the doctor and he said I just needed to come back tomorrow for observation again.

About an hour later my contractions had moved to about a minute apart, but to me they were pretty small. By 6:00 p.m. we were on our way to the hospital. I was very confident the contractions would be stopped and I would just be home and on bed rest for the next week or two.

Once I was checked in and given meds, my contractions never really stopped. My cervix was closed, but those pesky contractions were causing heart rates to go all over the place for Jack.

We spent the night and the next morning my doctor comes in to tell me we are having these babies later today. Apparently after reviewing the two latest ultrasounds Jack did not grow at all, while Izzy did. This is not good. I cry. Stacey cries. He tells me it will be alright, having the babies out will mean Jack will grow and be fine.

At about 10 a.m. we (and by we I mean Stacey) make phone calls and family plans to arrive in the next hour or so. Only suddenly Isabel's heart rate drops and the nurses are running around shaving things, dressing Stacey in hospital gowns and the next thing I know I am being wheeled into an operating room. 30 minutes later Jack and Izzy were born.

They were both sent to the NI..CU where Isabel stayed for four days (and I secretly think she never needed to be, but better safe than sorry). Jack stayed for 8 heartbreakingly long days due to hypoglycemia.

The nurses at the Hospital and at C..HOC were amazing. They made us feel as better about leaving them and helped us care for them while we were visiting. Jack charmed every nurse there and when we would run into a nurse or volunteer they would say, "Oh you are Jack's mothers, he is so cute!" Seriously, on the elevator more than once.

Leaving him there was the worst thing I have ever done. Leaving my 4 day old with babysitters (the best in the world mind you) was the other worst thing I have ever done. To all the parents who have ever been in the NIC..U, bless your hearts. I am so glad that the babies will never remember the NIC.U, but I know that I will never forget it. I cried every day I while I was there and every time I had to leave Jack. He was so alert, laying in his little isolette with cords and wires running from his head right down to his feet. He was pricked on the heel every three hours for a blood sugar test and made himself bleed from rubbing his feet together and disturbing his PIC line.

I knew he was going to be okay, though. And I know just how lucky we were/are. The N.ICU was full that week. With babies much sicker than mine.

But now they are home!! I am loving every exhausting minute. All that is left for me to combat is the grief of not being able to carry them longer. Of the ending of my pregnancy before I or the babies were ready. I dream about feeling them kick me and just thinking about it makes me cry. Silly, I know. But darn these post-pregnancy hormones. One day I will be able to look at my maternity photos again.

So here are some better pictures of the dynamic duo. No wires, no isolettes, just cute little babies that squeal and coo and cry. And poop.

Introducing. . .

2009-08-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

That's right, Jack Davis and Isabel Terese graced us with their presence on August 25, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. (5 weeks early)

Jack weighed in at 3 lbs 10 oz and Isabel at 5 lbs. 2 oz.

They are hanging out in NICU due to some size issues (Jack) and breathing/fluid issues (Isabel.)

Here are some pictures for you to enjoy.

33 weeks and 6 days.... still counting (by Stacey)

2009-08-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

A note here, for the Facebook readers this may not apply:
I, Stacey, will be posting in green with italics so that it's easier to figure out who is typing since now Jill and I will both post to this blog.

So, here we are, 33 weeks and 6 days, Jill is still plugging along. We took on the task of painting all the interior doors yesterday and what a task that was! Pain in the neck! Mostly because you have to paint one side (2 coats), wait and then paint the other side (2 coats) before they are done. As I sit here typing, the doors are waiting in the garage to be rehung. It will be nice to have them in. I only hope they don't make the unpainted hallway look so terrible that I HAVE to paint it today.

I believe they call what we are doing "nesting." Jill moved all the baby clothes around again and did lots of organizing. I don't know what she did, nor will I notice the changes. All I know, is she will be able to point me in the exact place of where to find something when she needs it in the coming months.

Jill is a trooper. Always has been in the 10 plus years I've known her. The days have moved to "not so great" and "pretty good" for her. August is a terrible month to be 8 months pregnant with twins. I'm so happy that she is hanging in there! Monday, 34 weeks, is a very big time marker (so I hear) and that makes me very relieved. The longer the babies stay in... the better!

I think the dogs are starting to notice things are different too. Both dogs are hanging with me more and more. The most surprising thing is Ellie, Jill's loyal stalker dog, she is sleeping with me and wandering away! Crazy! I'm not sure if dog's have a sense about babies coming, but I do think the have a sense of things changing... we shall see what the future holds for them and their reaction to the babies.

In other news, I got my "come back to work" letter, I have to report on August 27th at 7a.m. for breakfast. Goodness, it seems the summer has come and gone. I'm looking forward to a way better school year this year. I'll be an RSP teacher doing inclusion in Algebra and Biology. Should be a challenge and a nice change.

That's all from me. I'll add my favorite maternity shots here too...

Hey! I'm here too!

2009-08-07T16:13:00.001-07:00

Hi! I'm posting on here for the first time. Hopefully I can remember to add stuff on here when J's too busy and babies updates are needed.

Today is Friday, not that it matters to me too much. I'm off work for a few more weeks. What matters most is that Monday is 33 weeks pregnant for J! So excited! I'm so happy for time to keep ticking and the babies to keep growing inside J's tummy.

We worked more on prepping today. That's pretty much an every day job. I know that once the babies come life will be too hectic to do things such as: write thank you notes, build gliders, empty the dishwasher....etc. I shall appreciate the time while I have it.

Tomorrow we're off to the OC Fair!

Pretty boring news I guess.... more next time! :)

PB & J Nursery

2009-07-31T07:58:00.000-07:00

Here's a video of the nursery and the latest ultrasound done at 30 weeks.

Bathroom Stalls

2009-07-21T17:11:00.000-07:00

I have never given much thought to bathroom stalls. I go in, do the check for tp and seat protectors and if it had been flushed. Do my thing. Out.

But now. . . I don't fit. I go in, do my check, lean BACKWARDS over the toilet so the FREAKING door can close past my 40 inch stomach! I have been scratched by the lock quite a few times now. Thank you very much.

I try to use the handicapped stall now.

Planning and Preparing for a Boy (PB) and a Girl (Jelly)

2009-05-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I am almost 6 months along (can anyone believe it?) and we are beginning to work on and finish PB and J's nursery. The theme is Safari, because Stacey's Nana painted some animal pictures we wanted to incorporate into the room.

found a beautiful mobile 2 years ago and bought it :) and we are building the rooms off of those two things. I also found a very cool bag from Papyrus and we used that as inspiration for the murals my mom painted.

The room is very small and it has required a lot of creative effort to fit two cribs and all the other baby stuff. It is nowhere near finished, but I thought I post some pictures to show off the progress. Enjoy!

This is Jelly's side of the room with the Monkey and Tree.

This is the Giraffe on Peanut Butter's side of the room.

Only 34 days left

2009-05-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

Only 43 days left . . .no, not until the babies are born, but until school lets out. I will be glad to say goodbye to these kids because they were so difficult. However, it will be bitter sweet because they really have come along way and act almost human now! Almost all the boys can use the bathroom without climbing on the sinks or peeking under the stalls. (It happened this week.) Baby steps, you know?

Speaking of babies, (and we were, weren't we?) I have posted pictures of my belly growth. I am almost 19 weeks, so into my 5th month now. I have suddenly seen a surge in the size of my stomach! I can hear the heartbeats on those cheap baby heart monitors and can even feel movement every now and again.

The first picture is from just after we got our BFP, at about 6 weeks. I wish I had a picture from earlier before I started IVF meds. My stomach was AWESOME for some reason, but all the hormones started making it bloated. That is the pouchy you see there, not the babies! The second picture is from 17 weeks, almost 2 weeks ago. I think the difference is striking. Enjoy!

This is me!

2009-04-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

I have been taking a picture of my "growing" belly since the BFP. So when I came across this comic, I knew I had to blog it. This is totally me.

And for the record, I am 14w3d. I have gained 2 lbs and 2 inches around my breasts. (Yes, I take all my measurements too!)

Wiggle worms

2009-03-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

We had our last appointment with the fertility doctor. We gave away all our extra meds and syringes. We (I) had our last transvaginal ultrasound. (If you don't know what that is, be thankful).

We got four pictures of PB & J, but they would NOT stop moving. Waving, turning, twisting. We couldn't even get a decent heartbeat. But they are measuring perfectly (after 2 tries each to measure) and their heartbeats are strong.

Does it ever get easier? The waiting, the worrying? Every time we approach an u/s, about 2 days before, I start to worry and get anxious. Is this how it is going to be for the rest of my life? Is this what having children does to you? Oh well. It is worth it!

It is my birthday weekend! On the 22nd, I will be 33. I think that is pretty cool.

Happy Spring everyone!

Peanut, Peanut Butter. . . and Jelly

2009-03-17T16:10:00.000-07:00

I am not very good at updating this blog. I get writers block as soon as I hit the draft button! So here is what I have to say today, St. Patrick's Day.

First, I had to give clear explicit directions to my darling first graders today. Here is my lecture, "There will be NO pinching today. No, Alex, not even at home. NO pinching. Do all of you know what pinching is? Show me, everyone pinch the air. Pinch yourself if you want. Now, NO Pinching. Got it? Good."

And guess what? There was no pinching! Hurray!

And finally, introducing Peanut Butter and Jelly, our twins in utero! I do not know which one is which. I know, horrible mother. But it is not like I can look a their eyes, or freckles or something! And no, they are not aliens.

p.s: as of March 16, we are 12 weeks. (Finishing up that first trimester!)

Check out the new picture I have!

2009-02-09T16:21:00.001-08:00

Can you see two?? Because there are!!!! We are having twins. They are both measuring 6weeks 4 days (I am 7 weeks) with nice strong heartbeats. The doctor was a little concerned about one of them, because it seemed so small. But when he zoomed in and measured it was just a big.

We are doing the happy dance right now!

A Slow News Day

2009-01-22T10:23:00.001-08:00

Today in Southern California, rain has been predicted. It was supposed to arrive yesterday afternoon, but it turned out to be another beautiful day in Sunny CA.

I love weather people. You know how we all laugh at the poor reporter standing in a monsoon, describing just how wet it is outside? Well, this morning, the anchor "went to Reporter in Woodland Hills" to discuss the second storm of the century. Here is the brilliance of her reporting skills. Here is the hard ball story we have been all waiting for: "I am here at a gas station in Woodland Hills. No sign of rain yet." Thanks for the update, genius.

I guess President Obama is old news, now.

Here is breaking news, however. Can you guess what time the rain did finally arrive? If you guessed just as recess is starting, you must be a teacher! Ugg, inside recess. Fun for kids, headache for me.

Oh, well. I get a chance to blog at school :)

In case you haven't heard

2009-01-19T19:51:00.000-08:00

We are FINALLY pregnant!

Semi Final Report

2009-01-12T21:35:00.000-08:00

I spoke with the Embryologist today and 4 little snowbabies made it to the freezer! At first he said only two did, but called back and said it was actually 4. I am very happy with 4!

Presenting. . .

2009-01-08T22:08:00.001-08:00

Aren't they cute? Send me lots of sticky baby dust ladies!

Uterus. . . Starring as

2009-01-08T16:02:00.000-08:00

Introducing the incubator, formally known as my uterus. Thankfully I do not have THAT many embies. Only three, beautiful 8 -celled embryos. I am now on bedrest and already tired of it. It is going to be a long few days!

The Elephant and the Dog

2009-01-06T07:16:00.000-08:00

More adventures in Babymaking

2009-01-01T08:53:00.000-08:00

I haven't updated in a long while. I have been having too much fun!

I will start with Thanksgiving. We went to Braselton, Georgia for 3 days to visit Stacey's Aunt, Uncle and Cousin Davina. Davina is married with a sweet chubby boy and it was great to finally meet all three of them.

We left Georgia for Cancun, Mexico! It was so beautiful and relaxing. Our hotel was right on the beach and we could step off our balcony and jump into the pool! We had lots of fun adventures, including visiting Mayan ruins, an ecological park, swimming with dolphins and bike riding.

Our friend joined us for the last 5 days and we all had a blast!

Once we got home, we were in full swing with baby making. We decided to jump on the IVF train and haven't looked back. I get shots of Lupron and Gonal-F and I take Medrol at night.

The results of these pokings and proddings is that I have 15 follies ranging in size from 11mm to 15mm. I have another ultrasound on Friday and hopefully they will have grown to about 20mm, I think, which signals the time for ovulation. I would love to transfer asap, becuase I am off for one more week and the longer I can bedrest the better we would all feel.

So that is what I have been up to lately. We had a mild NYE, we saw the movie MILK, which was just awesome. While we were in Laughlin, Nevada, we saw Marley and Me, which was a really good movie but very sad at the end.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T20:50:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

My take on Olberman's Special Comment

2008-11-14T22:14:00.001-08:00

I created this on wordle.com. I used Keith Olberman's special comment on CA's Prop 8. It has become my artistic attempt as well as an expression of how I am feeling about the passing of Prop H8. I love the words that stand out (the words most often used). Check out the website and make your own. It is pretty cool.

Poop and other adventures in 1st grade

2008-11-12T21:57:00.001-08:00

This was my day today:

8:01 a.m. : Picking up my students from the yard, two boys, Non-Stop (actually Joey, from a previous story) and Trouble, walk towards me with an office referral for hitting and pushing. Wow, what a way to start the morning!

8:02 a.m. : Drama Queen walks towards me, dragging her right leg like Tiny Tim. "The bones in my legs are all broken," she tells me. I say (because I really can't deal with a drama queen before school even starts) "I am sure you will be okay, go ahead and use the toilet and wash your hands. Let's see how you feel at recess." She drags her leg all the way to the classroom. Once in the class, however, she skips, hops and twirls to her way to her desk.

8:11 a.m.: School begins, thank you very much!

10:35 a.m. : As I collect the kids from the playground, I see Drama Queen crying hysterically. I take a deep breath and prepare myself for quite the sob story of death and destruction. So, since I am NOT prepared, I ignore her, hoping she will forget that she was crying in the first place. No such luck, she catches my eye and proceeds to sob about her broken arm. You see, Drama Queen fell (or maybe was pushed by Trouble) and hurt her elbow. I expect to see blood dripping from this wound, but no such luck. Dirt. Dirt is mostly all I see and in that dirt. . . a teeny, tiny, barely scratch. Seriously? All those tears?

I say, "I am sure you will be okay, why don't you use the toilet and wash your hands." She continues to sob all they way to bathroom (although not in it, in the bathroom she is swinging on the doors and giggling with her friends, but I digress). She sobs again coming out of the bathroom, and all the way down the hall, sobs when she stops to tie her shoe, and sobs all the way back to the classroom.

Now, I am not a mean teacher, but I can only take so many theatrics from Drama Queen a day. I tell her, "You need to stay outside until you calm down. Get some water and come on in." (Okay, first I checked her out again, I do have a heart.) She eventually calms down and comes on in. She does complain that it hurts when she puts her elbows down. "Then don't put your elbows down," I say.

Now, this post has gotten quite long, but the last story I really think is the best.

11:00 a.m. DingleBerry raises his hand and says to me, "My stomach hurts, and I think I need to go sit on the toilet." "Go ahead," I tell him and he is off! About 10 minutes later (really I have no idea how long, oops) he comes back in. He announces, loudly, "I had some trouble wiping my bottom."

Umm. . . what. . . I look at him, and he is standing at my door, his shirt is pulled up under his arms and his pants are not up all the way. I walk toward him, PRAYING, that is underwear is pulled up and I am not going to get a view of his poop. Thankfully the gods are with me today and his underwear is in fact up, in fact I can see his underwear because his pants are down below his butt.

Well, I don't think it says anywhere in my contract that I have to wipe butts, so I do the only thing I can think of. . . I write an office referral. The reason for the office visit to the nurse, "He had trouble wiping."

And while this poop story doesn't even come close to Cristin's, it is enough for me to be thankful that the nurse was on campus today.

I still think First Grade is REALLY HARD!

We Would have Preferred a Bee Hive

2008-10-24T23:04:00.000-07:00

Life has been very interesting the last few days. Stacey came down with a batch of hives on Tuesday morning. We headed out to Urgent Care because she was getting uncomfortable. On Wednesday, her Primary Care doctor wants to see her. On Thursday, we head to the ER. On Friday, her doctor calls back with her blood results and her white blood count is DOUBLE. So with those results, we head back to the ER and she finally gets admitted. As the days progressed, so did her hives. They ranged in size from quarter size to softball size. Ugg. So gross. They ended up all over her body, in her scalp, eyes, toes, behind her knees and between her thighs. Yuck! She was so itchy that it hurt. She swelled up so big, that we had to cut off one of her rings!

The doctors were at a loss to figure out what the hell has been going on. . . allergy? infection? immunological disorder? So the poor itchy girl was poked and prodded for the past 4 days. She is finally feeling better. The doctors are pretty sure it was an allergy reaction to a medication she had been taking. They have pumped her through with Predisone, Benadryll and even a epinephrine shot. Between the steroids and the allergy reaction her lips looked like collagen gone wrong! She is starting to get back to normal. The hives are disappearing and the swelling is going down. She will hopefully come home tomorrow because the house just isn't the same without her. (Not that I have been home much!)

So even though she is allergic to bees, the next hive I want to see better be filled with honey!

No on 8

2008-10-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

We went to a backyard wedding today. It was a surprise to us, because T, said she would never get married. Her partner L, wanted to get married, but was willing to be patient.

So on Wednesday, I guess, T decided she was ready. And when she is ready, she is ready. So they got married today! Stacey happened to check a random email account on Saturday morning, and found the Evite.

It was really nice. They invited just a few people, had it in their backyard and BBQ'd afterward. We spent a lot of the time talking about the initiative that bans same sex marriages in Cal. That got me thinking that I need to put something about No on 8 on this here blog.

This is just my little attempt to get the word out. I have a feeling I am preaching to the choir with my little readership, but just . . . in . . . case. . . . we all deserve the right to be free to marry our love.

An interesting video

2008-10-18T14:31:00.000-07:00

This is a youtube video that I first saw on Soulbliss. I knew I had to post it. So enjoy! (Unless you actually like Sarah Palin, and then I have nothing to say to help you.)

Not Pregnant

2008-10-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

on to injectible medications

I see gay people

2008-10-06T14:43:00.000-07:00

So this weekend, Stacey and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary at little late at the Grand California Hotel at the Disneyland Resort. We chose this weekend because it was the 11 annual Gay Days in Anaheim. This organization sets up meet and greets, pictures, and parties for all the gay people who come to Disneyland and DCA. There were thousands of gay people, almost all of whom wore red shirts. It was so much fun! Here are some pictures for you to enjoy.

The view of Disney California Adventure Park from our balcony

Me on our VERY comfortable bed. It was a feather mattress with great pillows!

The single gays took over the Mark Twain. I didn't get my camera out soon enough to get the picture of them all waving. But it was quite a sight!

A friend and I decorating cookies.

Stacey and me with the decorated pumpkin cookie.

Stacey at the Candy Corn Acres

Breakfast at Catal (the food was okay, but the view of Downtown Disney was nice)

Strange friendly lesbians we meet at the lesbian ice cream social. We walked around with them and went on a few rides. It was nice.

I did not go on many rides, because, I am unofficially with child. 7 more days!

So to sum it all up, I love Disney Gay Days. Everyone who loves gay people should come to Disneyland on the first weekend of October. The weather is great, the park is not too crowded and you get to make fun of all the straight folk from hick towns who wear red shirts!

Happy Gay Days to you all!

The Trials and Tribulations of Getting Knocked Up

2008-09-29T22:04:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, our ultrasound indicated that ovulation would occur over this weekend. Which is great, since the office is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. So we arranged to have the pre-trigger ultrasound on Sat at their other office. I had one nice big fat follie on the left. I had lots of little ones all over the place on both sides. So the Doc tells me to trigger at 8:30 on Sat night and insem on Monday a.m. Stacey gave me the HCG trigger shot and did an awesome job, by the way. Sunday rolls around and whatever ovulation signs a person could have. . . I had them. I was almost afraid to sit next to any males . . . anyway lets just say I had textbook signs of ovulation.

What this means, is I was really concerned we missed the window. So we head to the fertitly clinic early, to hopefully get the show on the road a little sooner. So we sit there, and sit there, and once it is passed our original appointment time, we are getting a little concerned. I go to the counter and I am like. . . dude, what is up. My fertilty window is seriously getting smaller and a smaller by the minute. It turns out the embryologist was never scheduled and so they are waiting for one to return the messages they have been leaving and show up.

So now I am pissed. Stacey and I both have someone covering for our classes, so we really can't be waiting around all day for someone to come and thaw our goodies. We yell, politely of course, at two nurses and the secretary. Those poor souls!

We eventually get seen, an hour after our appt time. My favorite of the docs is mine today and he offers to do an ultrasound and see what is going on. My follicle was still there! Which as he says is not good or bad. But for me. . . I really want to believe it is good.

Anyway after he warms up the speculum ( see why he is my favorite) and gets started, he says to Stacey, "Come here, you should be the one to get her pregnant." Stacey of course, turns 15 shades of red, but is a willing participant. The nurse thought it was really sweet and Stacey did an awesome job.

So now I am knocked up, (until proven otherwise). Send methe baby dust!

First Grade it H-A-R-D

2008-09-18T19:19:00.000-07:00

So I have been teaching FIRST GRADE for 12 days today. It is a lot harder than 2nd grade! The kids are so little, and squirrelly and chatty! This was a really difficult kindergarten class, so I was prepared for a challenge, but who prepares for this:

Setting: Imagine if you will, a hot blacktop with 400 children mulling about. Some eating, some going out to play and some coming in from playing to use the restroom. Imagine sweat, heat, and overwhelming smell of school pizza.

A child from another class: Ms. P, a boy in your class just peed on the floor.

Teacher: Where? What? Huh?

Child: That boy. He peed on the floor.

Teacher: Huh? Peed? Joey? (Names have been changed to protect the innocent)
(Teacher scurries over to the boys restroom and calls Joey out, not quite able to believe he peed on the floor. And even if he did. . . why would he admit it)

Teacher: Joey, come here. Did you just pee on the floor?

Joey: Yes. In the hole. (makes a hole gesture with his hands)

Teacher: Why?

Joey: All the toilets were being used. But I peed in the hole in the ground.

Teacher: In the drain? Or (hopefully I think) the urinal? (Does a 6 year old know the word urinal?)

Joey: No, on the floor.

At this point, I sought help. I was not in the frame of mind to deal with this strange 6-year old logic. After a suitable punishment (mom called) I had to talk to him about the appropriate places to pee. "After all," I said, "Should I come to your house, and pee on the floor?" "No," he says. Well maybe I reached him.

Can you see why FIRST GRADE is hard? Accidents I can deal with, but On Purposes? No Child Left Behind doesn't mention this at all!!

But don't fret, it is getting better and nobody else has peed on the floor. Except my dog.

Can a girl catch a break?

2008-08-21T17:49:00.000-07:00

Coming off the news that my thyroid is cancer free (which I am very thankful for), we headed into the TTC with high hopes. Wouldn't you know, I have a cyst on one ovary. This means I cannot have clomid. So we could possibly do a natural cycle, but the timing is really bad with the holiday, so we decided to cancel. I will start BCP to help reduce the cycst and hopefully be back in the game in the middle of September.

On a happy note, we had a fantastic vacation to Las Vegas. We went to the Hoover Dam, which was very cool (yet incredibly hot). We hung out at the pools at the Green Valley Ranch Casino and the South Point Casino. They were really nice pools, and we got to hang out with some of Staceys normal family, so that was really nice! Before coming home, we stopped at Harrah's Rincon Hotel and Casino out near Escondido to visit my parents and my nephew. They were vacationing for a few days there, so we had some buffet, and then headed home.

I am getting ready to start school. I went to my classroom today and started to get everything ready. I am almost ready for school to start. Almost.

Thats all folks.

No Cancer!

2008-08-15T08:43:00.000-07:00

Had my appointment today and the pathology reports came back -- no malignancy!! I did not sleep at all last night so no I am exhausted!! We are off to Vegas for a weekend of R&R at Stacey's parents house. I am looking forward to the change of scenery and a chance to sleep!!

Thanks to everyone for their well wishes!

Pictures from Tahoe

2008-08-11T14:12:00.000-07:00

Bear!!

Bears! Mother bear and Baby Bear looking for a poolside snack

Stacey and me, resting by a water fall on our way down to Emerald Bay

Sweet dirty boy! Forest dirt is like no other!

My sweet little nieces asleep on a bike ride.

This is our "home sweet home" while living in the forest.

Stacey posting for Jill

2008-08-09T12:38:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that Jill is out of surgery and doing just fine. She'll be spending the night at the hospital and we'll get the pathology results on Friday.

aahh. . . Lake Tahoe

2008-08-07T14:35:00.001-07:00

I am right now enjoying myself by being lazy in our cute little travel trailer. Stacey and I have taken a little vacation to Lake Tahoe for 8 days. We brought along our BFF Gail, her dog-Woodie and our own little terrors. . . I mean dogs. My sister and her brood are parked next to us in their trailer next to us.

Tahoe is wonderful. We have ridden bikes, hiked, played in the lake, and lazed around in the forest. This morning was very exciting, because BEARS walked into our camp! A mother bear and her cub meandered through the backside of the camp. Mama then began climbing the fence of the pool! She knocked over the trash can looking for a little snack. Baby just wandered around, trying to figure out how to get to Mama. Eventually, Mama went back over the fence and led baby away over the ridge.

It was very exciting, to say the least. We ran all ran around, putting dogs away, hiding trash and picking up food. My sister and I stayed in the trailer with the kids (2 toddlers and a preschooler). My nephew Ryan and I sat on the trailer steps to watch. Stacey and Gail took pictures and Stacey even got some video. I will post pictures once we get back home. We don't have any connecting cables or disk readers with us.

We were originally going to spend 3 weeks traveling around Northern CA. But we had to cut our vacation short due to my Thyroid surgery. We will leave Tahoe tomorrow morning and arrive home about 10 hours later. Saturday morning, at an ungodly hour, I will be heading out for my surgery. Then maybe two weeks later, we will be planning on our next babymaking adventure.

It Is Official

2008-07-09T22:49:00.001-07:00

We got legally married on our 1 year anniversary of our commitment ceremony. We went to the old Orange County Courthouse and had a little ceremony. The marriage room was very cute, with an alter, pew and even heart pillows.

We re-exchanged our rings, and mine had a new upgraded diamond!!

It was a very sweet ceremony and the standard vows were actually very nice. Stacey and I were a little giddy and Stacey even tried to repeat MY vows! The officiant seemed very nice and not a all phased about a gay wedding! So that was very cool!

Our wedding party was very small and intimate. My sister and her 3 kids, my BFF, Connie and her boyfriend Mark, for me and Gail and her girlfriend Autumn, for Stacey. We were missing a few people, but mostly because we got married on a Monday and people had to work!

We went to lunch at a yummy restaurant in downtown Tustin, called Roma D' Italia.
Later that night, Stacey and I hit Disneyland and California Adventure Park. Our good friend Erin was able to join us, since she missed the wedding. It was fun hanging out with her!

At the end of a long and happy day, Stacey and I came home to enjoy our anniversary cake from Rossmoor Pastries. It was the same kind of cake from our wedding last year and it was YUMMY!

What a nice day.

Wall -E

2008-07-05T22:29:00.000-07:00

We went to see the Disney/Pixar movie Wall -E. It was funny, sad, cute, but I didn't really think it was a kid's movie. Now, it didn't have any bad words, it wasn't scary or anything like that. I just think that maybe little kids will not really connect or get it. KWIM? Maybe I am not giving kids the benefit of the doubt? Stace and I felt there was a definite "Green" message about overconsumption and we weren't really expecting that. It was very interesting. Everyone should see it!

I am going on a caffiene Binge

2008-07-03T16:57:00.000-07:00

I haven't written in a while. I have been waiting for news to tell. I had my needle biopsy for my thyroid mass. The results came back as 'indeterminant." This means that while there were no actual cancer cells, the random cells that were there COULD be cancer. The only way to determine if there is actually cancer is to remove the mass/thyroid and test it.

So this throws our TTC plans out the window, for a few months. We were able to cancel the sending of the sperm, and the ultrasounds, but I still ended up doing a round of Clomid. That sucks!

We are hoping to be able to schedule the surgery ASAP, so it doesn't interfere with our vacation. But most likely, it will be when school starts. And since I am starting a brand new grade level, I really don't want to miss the start of the school year. The upcoming 1st graders were ROTTEN as Kindergardners and I want to be there to whip them into shape!!

So in honor of canceling baby making, I will drink gallons of COKE tonight. I will be more conservative after tonight, but for one night I will not think about TTC or the possible effects of caffeine on the thyroid.

Happy 4th of July to all who celebrate it. May it be safe and happy!
Jill

Toy Story Mania

2008-06-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

We went to Disneyland yesterday! We thought we were so smart getting there 30 minutes before DCA opens, to find out they had already opened the gates. None of the rides were open yet, and most of the park was roped off. We got into line for the new Toy Story Mania ride and we were riding it 45 minutes later. So the wait was not too bad. The ride was awesome, however! It was really fun and silly. It is a 3-D version of midway games. Stacey and I competed against each other, and I WON! She hates losing and acts all silly and pouting when she does lose, so of course I had to rub it in!

After Toy Story, we headed over for a fast pass to the Grizzly River Run. We had to wait about an hour for it, so we decided to have an early lunch. After that we waited for about 40 minutes in line for Soaring Over California. The last ride we hit was the river raft ride. It was fun, but we didn't get as wet as were hoping. The ride kept stopping, so we think that may have had something to do with it.

The weather was so stinking hot! We left Disneyland in a puddle of sweat! We hung out with my parents for the rest of the evening.

So day 1 of my official summer was a hit!

Jill

What a week, thank god it is over

2008-06-21T00:52:00.000-07:00

The longest two weeks of my life have ended! Unfortunately, not with good news.

I found out yesterday that a close family friend died on Tuesday. I cried for a long time yesterday. I cried for him, of course. And for my dad, his best friend. For me, because I didn't call my parents all week, and if I had, I would have known sooner.

Death throws me into a funk. I obsess about it and worry about it and dream about it. When a co-worker had a miscarriage last year, I stalked the miscarriage message boards of the BBC. I had make a concerted effort to stop lurking there. What the hell is wrong with me?!

So I thought the one thing that would redeem this week would be a BFP. No such luck. We are on to try #8.

The night did end very nicely however. The Indigo Girls concert was fantastic. We had great seats and they put on a terrific show. The opening act was Brandi Carlile. She is super cute and a great singer to boot! The only bummer to the show, was that nobody would stand up around us, so we had to sit for most of the show. IG is a fun concert to stand and dance to, so that was annoying. We did stand for a few songs and Stacey and her BFF Gail, did manage to create enough excitement for some others around us to stand for one song!

I love me some Indigo Girls!

Tomorrow we are headed to Disneyland California Adventures to try out the new Toy Story Ride. We are going to storm the park before it opens and run to the new ride. Wish us luck! Then to beat the heat we are going to go on the River Rafting ride. (I don't remember what it is called). It should be hot enough that we will dry quickly.

Oh and I am officially on SUMMER BREAK for 10 weeks! This is really the best part of being a teacher!

Calling All Computer Geniuses

2008-06-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

How can I change my layout? I want a cool title with an awesome picture. Not like the old one, where you couldn't see the words. I googled layouts and I didn't find any good ones. Any suggestions?

Google Fun

2008-06-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

My life according to Google
Type in the following and fill in the first choice

1: Type in "[your name] needs" in the Google search:
Jill needs to earn enough money to buy a new skateboard that costs $48.50. . . (what would I do with that? Stacey might kill herself)

2: Type in "[your name] looks like" in Google search:
Jill looks like she is done laying her eggs for the year. ... (Hopefully that is true. . . I should be pregnant!)

3: Type in "[your name] does" in Google search:
Jill will be doing NYC. And you know how much fun that will be. . . (sounds like a good plan)

4: Type in "[your name] hates" in Google search:
Jill Hates Jack . . . (especially when going up a hill!)

5: Type in "[your name] goes to" in Google search:
Jill Goes Underground . . . (silly)

6: Type in "[your name] loves" in Google search:
Jill loves this band!.

7: Type in "[your name] eats" in Google search:
Jill eats pizza . . . (yes! I love pizza. I am going to eat some right now, in fact)

8: Type in "[your name] has" in Google search:
Jill has become desparate . . . (is that supposed to be desperate? I don’t know)

9: Type in "[your name] died" in Google Search:
Jill died after police waved on the lorry carrying the calves . . . (hmm. .. )

10: Type in "[your name] will" in Google search:
Jill will be leaving for San Diego on the 17^th . . . (if only. . .)

PS:

I POAS tonight and it was negative. That means the HcG is out of my system. Any positive after today means I am officially with child.

I went to the dollar store and bought 7 pregnancy tests. They are the old school kind with a dropper, but it does the job. I may not use them all, but I am not promising anything.

My Guilty Pleasures

2008-06-12T20:06:00.000-07:00

(So I am editing this because it doesn't make sense. I forgot what I was writing about. It also turns out that my loving wife is a THING and therefore have to add her to my list.) (It also turns out that there really were 2 other things I loved the best of all. Well, maybe more than two, but I didn't want to make this list any longer.)

My loving wife, S, teaches high school. Tonight she has left me all alone to attend the Senior Class's Grad Nite- At Disneyland.

So here is a list of all the things I love. Most people don't know this about me so you are all learning something new!

10. I love watching 90210 reruns. I even record them on my DVR.

9. I love solving Suduku puzzles. I will look at the answers if I think I have made a mistake so that I don't have to do the whole thing over.

8. I love Saved By the Bell reruns, but I don't record them. Yet. (although I would if they aired the summer season)

7. I love to talk to myself in the car if I am falling asleep. I pretend I am being interviewed about my life and accomplishments. What's sad is that I am now older than what I used to pretend to be in my interviews :(

6. I love to read books, especially series. I get really sad when the series ends, however. I feel like I have lost a friend.

5. I love to watch the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice.

4. I love to eat Peanut Butter straight from the jar. A big old scoop on a spoon.

3. I double dip the spoon!

2. My wedding to the most amazing women ever.

1. The day I first saw S walk into the dining hall, almost 11 years ago. Love at first sight.

I need to work on my communication skills

2008-06-12T15:53:00.001-07:00

So I think I did not word my previous post very well. I am not testing this Friday. I will be testing next Friday, meaning 8 days from now. I will also see the Indigo Girls that same day.

I love doing this blog thing. And I love the comments and feedback from my readers. I will get better at writing off the cuff!

So this was a bit of a boring topic, but it won't always be. Well, actually, next Friday should be very exciting once I get my BFP from the doctor. You will all be the first to know.

PS (maybe I will POAS (pee on a stick) before Friday. I will try to avoid the temptation, but I already want to do it NOW!!

Is it Friday yet?

2008-06-11T16:44:00.000-07:00

Is it me, or is this the slowest week ever? I am looking forward to so many things that time is going very slowly. School is out in 6 school days, with one more day for clean up. I am going to the Indigo Girls concert next Friday. And last and most important I am going to find out that I am pregnant! (Positive thinking).

Needless to say, it feels like Friday, but alas, it is only Wednesday.

There is this funny funny clip from the National Spelling Bee

I found this by reading a blog from someone else's blog list (AFRo) click here. Isn't it weird how I "know" all these people, yet I have really no idea where they live or what they look like.

Only 9 more days, no symptoms yet, but it is too early still.

The Wait Begins

2008-06-06T20:50:00.000-07:00

Today we had our insemination. It was scheduled for 2:00. Sometime around 4:00, we finally were seen. There were a few problems with our donor sample, and then the Doc ended up seeing the next consultation. Needless to say, I am tired of waiting in the doctor's office.

On the bright side, I did get caught up on all the celebrity gossip! Did you know Angelina and Brad are having twins? Okay, I did already know that, but the magazines were REALLY old!

I am nauseous already? Is that a sign? Unfortunately I am nauseous from ovulation to AF, no matter what. My beta is scheduled for June 19th. I don't think I will test until that morning, that way I have some inkling about what to expect.

Let the wait begin!!

Follies and Eggies

2008-06-05T21:53:00.001-07:00

Today has been a crazy day. I had an appointment with the d.i.!.do cam today at 3:15. I had to wait for 2 hours because the doctor had emergency surgery. UGH!

Anyway here are the results:

Right Follie: 22mm
Left Follie: 17mm
Lining: 27mm

Now, if only someone could tell me what this means!

The award of the day goes to my loving wife S.

She had to give me the HCG Trigger shot tonight and did a fabulous job. For those who don't know, she passed out once when I put her earring in her ear. Let's just say someone has a fear of needles. So BRAVO S! I love you!

Tomorrow will be insem day! Everyone cross your fingers for us!

This Just In!

2008-06-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

Calif. court refuses to stay gay marriage ruling
(copied from the OC Register)

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- California's highest court has refused to stay until after the November election its decision legalizing same-sex marriage in the state.

Conservative religious and legal groups had asked the California Supreme Court to stop its order from becoming effective until voters have the chance to weigh in on the issue.

An initiative that would amend the state constitution to ban gay marriage has qualified for the ballot. Its passage would overrule the court's decision.

The Supreme Court says its ruling will be final at 5 p.m. on June 16.

Wednesday's denial clears the way for gays and lesbians in the nation's most populous state to get married starting June 17, when state officials have said counties must start issuing new gender-neutral marriage licenses.